Midlands UK unveils highlights of its MIPIM event programme

• Delegation involved in more than 40 events during the four-day event
• Midlands UK speakers to address thousands of potential investors

The Ironbridge Power Station site, Hereford Enterprise Zone at Skylon Park and Newport’s new agri-tech focused business park are among £11 billion of investment opportunities from the Midlands being featured at the world’s leading real estate show in 2019.

Sites ready for development in the Marches are being promoted as part of the Midlands UK delegation at MIPIM, which takes places in Cannes in March.
Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine, will be joined by a range of senior keynote speakers who will be addressing the global investment community during 40 events over the four days of the show.
“MIPIM provides a platform from which we can showcase the many strengths of the Midlands to a wide audience. Our economy, which has remained strong and resilient, presents a compelling offer to potential investors,” said Sir John.

MIPIM 19 from Be Bold Media on Vimeo.

Graham Wynn OBE, Chairman of the Marches LEP, said: “We have fantastic investment opportunities in our region, one of the most attractive locations in the UK to live and work.
“Global players including BAE Systems, Caterpillar, and Heineken have already chosen to base their operations here, where we offer a first-class business landscape and an outstanding quality of life.
“MIPIM gives us the chance to showcase what Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford has to offer investors looking to locate in one of the fastest growing areas of the Midlands.”
Shropshire will hold two events during MIPIM. Shrewsbury: The Big Connection will tell investors the story of how the birthplace of Charles Darwin is evolving, where new buildings rub shoulders with re-used older buildings including the Flaxmill Maltings – the grandfather of all skyscrapers.
Shropshire: Rooted in Heritage, Developing for the Future will highlight the county’s countryside, vibrant market towns and strategic central base within the UK, unlocking key development opportunities through infrastructure investment including the Ironbridge Power Station site and on growth corridors such as the M54.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s event will focus on its partnership with Harper Adams University to create a cluster of excellence in agri-tech innovation at the heart of which will be a new 25 acre science and innovation park. Ni.Park is being promoted globally by the UK’s Department for International Trade as world-leading in the development of new agri-technology solutions.
Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for economic growth, said: “Last year was our first year at MIPIM and we’re excited to be returning. We were bowled over by the interest we received in our county as a place in which to invest.
“MIPIM gives us access to developers, agents, investors and intermediaries from across the UK and overseas, all in one place. The bonus is that they’re there to do business.”
Herefordshire is promoting the North Magazine site on Skylon Park and will present to investors in a joint presentation from the Enterprise Zone and Herefordshire Council at MIPIM
Mark Pearce, Managing Director of Skylon Park, added: “There is already considerable business interest in Skylon Park, with 55,000 sq m of development space built, under construction or in advanced negotiation with 38 new businesses already in occupation with 665 people employed.
“Private sector investment in land and buildings is already well in excess of £30m. The North Magazine comprises 10 Ha and by summer 2020 will be home to a £7m Business Incubation Centre including development space for businesses to interact with a new University being created in Hereford, specialising in engineering.”
The Midlands UK Pavilion welcomed more than 4,700 delegates at MIPIM 2018, who attended a series of presentations, debates and receptions.